Arguments
Excerpt:
"The Amazon rainforest is one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, producing 20% of the world’s oxygen and housing an estimated 10 million species of plants, animals, and insects. If deforestation continues at its current rate, the consequences will be devastating—not just for the rainforest itself, but for the entire planet. We must act now to protect this critical resource."
Question: What is the claim in this argument?
The claim is that we must act now to protect the Amazon rainforest because it is a vital ecosystem critical to the planet’s health.
Excerpt: “The two neighborhoods, one wealthy and one struggling, are separated by just a single street.”
Question: What rhetorical device is used in this excerpt?
Juxtaposition
As the morning sun broke over the horizon, Clara tightened the straps on her hiking boots and set out on the forest trail, her map crinkled in her hand. The birds chirped in the canopy above as she followed the winding path deeper into the woods, marveling at the towering oaks and rustling leaves. Around noon, she reached a steep incline where a loose rock tumbled under her boot, sending her heart racing as she caught herself on a nearby branch. Determined, she pressed on, and by late afternoon, she stood triumphantly at the peak, the valley below stretching out like a green quilt. Breathing in the crisp air, Clara felt a rush of pride—she had conquered the trail and proved to herself that she was stronger than she thought.
Question: Does this excerpt use a linear or nonlinear plot structure?
Linear
Excerpt: “Think of the children who will suffer if we don’t act now.”
Question: What type of emotional appeal is used, and what is its effect on tone?
The appeal is to sympathy. The tone becomes urgent and compassionate, as it tugs at the audience's emotions by emphasizing the potential harm to vulnerable children.
Which type of parallel structure is used in the following sentence:
"She enjoys hiking, biking, and swimming."
The parallel structure uses words.
"Some argue that the benefits of deforestation, such as economic growth and job creation, outweigh the negative environmental impacts. However, this perspective ignores the long-term costs, including the loss of biodiversity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and damage to indigenous communities who rely on the forest for their livelihoods. While economic growth is important, it cannot come at the expense of environmental destruction."
Question: What is the counterargument in this excerpt?
The counterargument is that deforestation benefits the economy through job creation and economic growth.
Excerpt: “Just as a seed needs sunlight to grow, students need education to thrive.”
Question: What rhetorical device is being used?
Analogy
Rain poured down as Jake sprinted through the dark alley, clutching a bloodstained envelope, his heart pounding like a drum. He slipped, falling hard on the slick pavement, and the envelope flew from his hands into a puddle. His mind flashed back to the moment he first opened it—a letter from his estranged brother, pleading for help and warning him to “trust no one.” Jake had ignored the cryptic warning, thinking it was just paranoia, but now he cursed himself for not taking it seriously. As footsteps echoed behind him, he turned, expecting to face a stranger, but froze in shock when his pursuer stepped into the light—it was his brother, holding a knife. In that moment, Jake realized the letter had been a trap all along, its warning meant for someone else entirely.
Question: How does the use of in medias res impact the story?
The use of in medias res impacts the story by plunging the reader directly into the action, creating immediate suspense and intrigue.
Excerpt: “We all want to live in a world where our values of kindness and fairness prevail.”
Question: What emotional appeal is used, and how does it connect with the audience?
The appeal is to shared values. It connects with the audience by fostering a sense of unity and encouraging them to align with the argument based on common principles like kindness and fairness.
Rephrase the following sentence to create parallel structure:
"He wanted to run a marathon, train every day, and that he would inspire others."
"He wanted to run a marathon, to train every day, and to inspire others."
"A report from the World Resources Institute states that over 80% of the world's forests have been degraded due to human activity, and logging accounts for 15% of global CO2 emissions annually. Additionally, studies reveal that intact forests absorb twice as much carbon as fragmented ones. These findings emphasize the critical role forests play in combating climate change and the urgent need for conservation efforts."
Question: How does this statistic strengthen the argument?
The statistic emphasizes the large-scale impact of deforestation by showing how much of the world’s forests have already been degraded and how intact forests play a crucial role in combating climate change.
Excerpt: “Imagine living without clean drinking water.”
Question: What rhetorical device is being used, and how does it affect tone?
The rhetorical device being used is direct address. It affects the tone by making it more evocative and urgent, as it encourages the audience to personally envision the dire scenario, eliciting empathy and concern.
As the morning sun broke over the horizon, Clara tightened the straps on her hiking boots and set out on the forest trail, her map crinkled in her hand. The birds chirped in the canopy above as she followed the winding path deeper into the woods, marveling at the towering oaks and rustling leaves. Around noon, she reached a steep incline where a loose rock tumbled under her boot, sending her heart racing as she caught herself on a nearby branch. Determined, she pressed on, and by late afternoon, she stood triumphantly at the peak, the valley below stretching out like a green quilt. Breathing in the crisp air, Clara felt a rush of pride—she had conquered the trail and proved to herself that she was stronger than she thought.
Question: What is the climax in this story?
The climax of the story occurs when Clara navigates the steep incline and nearly loses her footing due to a loose rock. This moment is the peak of tension, as it tests her determination and creates a sense of danger. Her ability to catch herself and press on marks the turning point, leading to the resolution of the conflict.
Excerpt:
"Every day, toxic chemicals are dumped into our rivers, turning once-clear waters into polluted wastelands. The fish are dying, the water is undrinkable, and the stench of decay fills the air. If we don’t act, our communities will face irreversible destruction and despair."
Question: What type of emotional appeal is used, and how does it affect the tone?
Appeal to negative emotions
Tone is urgent and dire
Rephrase the following sentence to create parallel structure:
"The teacher asked the students to read the chapter, to write a summary, and completing the review questions."
"The teacher asked the students to read the chapter, to write a summary, and to complete the review questions."
"Supporters of strict school dress codes argue that they promote discipline and reduce distractions in the classroom. They claim that allowing students to wear whatever they want could lead to inappropriate attire and disrupt the learning environment."
Question: What would be an effective rebuttal to this counterargument? Explain how your rebuttal could strengthen the argument against strict dress codes.
An effective rebuttal could argue that strict dress codes often unfairly target specific groups, such as female students or students from different cultural backgrounds, and may create more distractions by enforcing rules inconsistently. Additionally, allowing more freedom in dress can encourage individuality and self-expression, which can positively impact students’ confidence and mental health. This rebuttal strengthens the argument by showing that strict dress codes can have unintended negative consequences that outweigh the intended benefits.
Excerpt: “To those who doubt our efforts: Have you seen the data? Have you visited the affected areas?”
Question: What rhetorical device is being used, and how does it affect the tone?
Rhetorical device: Direct address
Tone: Challenging and assertive
As the morning sun broke over the horizon, Clara tightened the straps on her hiking boots and set out on the forest trail, her map crinkled in her hand. The birds chirped in the canopy above as she followed the winding path deeper into the woods, marveling at the towering oaks and rustling leaves. Around noon, she reached a steep incline where a loose rock tumbled under her boot, sending her heart racing as she caught herself on a nearby branch. Determined, she pressed on, and by late afternoon, she stood triumphantly at the peak, the valley below stretching out like a green quilt. Breathing in the crisp air, Clara felt a rush of pride—she had conquered the trail and proved to herself that she was stronger than she thought.
Question: What is the conflict in this story?
The conflict in the story is Clara's internal struggle to overcome the physical and mental challenges of completing a difficult hike.
Excerpt: “If we don’t act now, millions of families will lose their homes, and we will all share the consequences of ignoring this issue.”
Question: Which TWO emotional appeals are used, and what is the tone?
Emotional appeals: negative emotions and shared values.
The tone is urgent and serious.
Which type of parallel structure is used in the following sentence:
"The speaker emphasized that we should take responsibility, that we should act now, and that we should never give up."
The parallel structure uses clauses.
"Climate change poses an existential threat to our planet. Without immediate action, scientists predict that sea levels will rise by over a meter by the year 2100, submerging coastal cities and displacing millions of people. Additionally, extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and severe, devastating communities and economies. While skeptics often question the accuracy of climate models, the overwhelming consensus among experts is that these predictions are based on sound science and extensive research."
Question: How does the author’s use of statistics and predictions support their claim, and what could make the argument stronger?
The author’s use of statistics (rising sea levels and extreme weather predictions) supports the claim by showing the tangible and devastating impacts of climate change. The argument could be made stronger by including specific examples of cities or communities already affected by climate change to make the predictions more relatable.
Excerpt: “By comparing our current struggles to those faced by great leaders, we find hope in our ability to overcome.”
Question: How does the use of analogy shape the tone of this excerpt?
The analogy shapes the tone by creating a sense of hope and inspiration. By comparing current struggles to those of great leaders, the author evokes resilience and determination, encouraging the audience to persevere.
Rain poured down as Jake sprinted through the dark alley, clutching a bloodstained envelope, his heart pounding like a drum. He slipped, falling hard on the slick pavement, and the envelope flew from his hands into a puddle. His mind flashed back to the moment he first opened it—a letter from his estranged brother, pleading for help and warning him to “trust no one.” Jake had ignored the cryptic warning, thinking it was just paranoia, but now he cursed himself for not taking it seriously. As footsteps echoed behind him, he turned, expecting to face a stranger, but froze in shock when his pursuer stepped into the light—it was his brother, holding a knife. In that moment, Jake realized the letter had been a trap all along, its warning meant for someone else entirely.
The situational irony in the story—the fact that Jake’s brother, who appeared to be seeking help, is actually the one pursuing him with malicious intent—creates a sense of shock and betrayal. The irony deepens the emotional impact, emphasizing themes of trust and deception.
"Every night, thousands of families huddle together in makeshift shelters, unsure if they will have enough to eat or a warm place to sleep. The children, their eyes filled with uncertainty and fear, cling to their parents, hoping for a tomorrow that feels as far away as the stars."
Question: Which emotional appeal is used, and what is the tone?
The appeal to sympathy shapes the tone by making it somber, heart-wrenching, and deeply empathetic.
Rephrase the following sentence to create parallel structure:
"The project requires not only careful planning but also that you execute the tasks efficiently and staying within the budget."
"The project requires not only careful planning but also efficient execution of tasks and adherence to the budget."